Bangalore: Y.S.V. Datta is JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda’s Man Friday in the true sense. Of Gowda’s one time quartet of lieutenants—Datta, P.G.R. Sindhia, B.L. Shankar and V.S. Ugrappa (the last two are now in the Congress), it is Datta alone who is still considered close to Gowda and was aptly rewarded with the post of deputy leader of the opposition in the assembly.
In Rajaji Nagar, he is popularly known as Datta Meshtru because he was a maths teacher, while for youngsters, he is Dattanna. A source of abundant information, be it politics, literature or Karnataka’s social movements, he has no qualms in expressing his views on touchy subjects.
He would go to any extent to defend his mentor, Deve Gowda, which became evident during an interview with Deccan Chronicle. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Q: How do you feel after being chosen deputy leader of the opposition in the Assembly?
A: (Smiling) I am happy that a new responsibility has been given to me by my party. Along with this comes a huge responsibility which will sharpen my arguing skills. I need to learn how to sugar-coat my arguments while revealing the bitter truth, facts and figures which may not go well with some members.
Q: Did you realize this after your remarks, which prompted legislators from North-Karnataka to protest last week?
A: My intention was not to hurt anyone. But, some of my friends misread my statement. All I wanted to say was that south Karnataka legislators were equally interested in protecting farmers and in raising issues related to North-Karnataka. I do not know why my friends from North Karnataka felt bad about it. Anyway, I have already expressed regret over my statements and that chapter is closed.
Q: Moving to floor co-ordination, Janata Dal (S) appears to have lost an edge by not joining the BJP-KJP combine when they went hammer and tongs against the government on the farmer suicide issue in front of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. Comment.
A: (Angrily) we have not lost out to anyone. We played the role of a constructive opposition. We raised more issues related to farmers and rural oriented subjects in the Assembly than anyone else. We deliberately avoided boycotting the session keeping the sensibilities of North Karnataka in mind. This is not the first time a farmer has committed suicide. We actually wanted the state government to be more compassionate towards farmers, which Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah reciprocated by announcing a series of measures.
Q: In the bargain, hasn’t the party lost out because of the ‘adjustments’ it made. In the past the JD(S) had successfully managed to safeguard its interests while battling the two national parties.
A: There have been instances when people felt we joined hands with one of the national parties for some benefit. This time however, it was our large-heartedness which saved the session. We did not get associated with the BJP-KJP or Congress, rather, we stood by the people of North Karnataka and farmers of the state.
Leader of the Opposition, H.D. Kumaraswamy was the first to raise sugarcane growers’ problems on day one of the session by moving an adjournment motion. The KJP-BJP combine was then busy protesting on the ‘Shaadi Bhagya’ scheme. They realized how important the farmers’ problems were only after a farmer committed suicide.
Q: What about your party’s informal agreement with BJP during the recent Lok Sabha by-polls in Mandya and Bangalore Rural? Despite this, your candidates lost.
A: Haven’t we paid the price for our mistakes? We paid a heavy price. Therefore, our party is clear about maintaining equi-distance from both Congress and BJP in future.
Q: On one hand you talk about strengthening the Third Front. However, your candidates are losing in constituencies considered your strongholds. Does it mean, your vote bank is diminishing?
A: Our party’s vote bank is still intact. It has rather increased due to the favorable atmosphere for a Third Front. Regional parties will emerge as a force to reckon with in the next general elections.
